Asare Khalu Sansare - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Asare Khalu Sansare" by Bipinchandra H. Kapadia, based on the provided pages:

The book "Asare Khalu Sansare" (Meaning: Truly in the Impermanent World) by Dr. Bipinchandra Hiralal Kapadia, explores the profound roles and influences of women within the context of Jain philosophy and history. The central theme revolves around the idea that even in an impermanent world, women play a crucial role in making life meaningful and in guiding individuals towards spiritual liberation.

The author begins by recounting an anecdote where an Acharya's remark, "In this impermanent world, only for the sake of good, the deer thinks," initially caused offense to two brothers. However, the Acharya later clarified that the "deer" (sārang) referred to the women who give birth to great luminaries like Tirthankaras, great Acharyas like Haribhadrasuri and Hemchandracharya, and noble individuals like Jagadusha and Vastupala. These women, by bringing such virtuous beings into existence, make the world seem valuable.

The text then delves into the diverse roles and emotions portrayed by women in various relationships: mother, daughter, wife, sister-in-law, etc. It highlights the example of Aryarakshita's mother, who, upon seeing her son return with worldly knowledge, remained disquieted because he hadn't acquired spiritual knowledge. This maternal concern led her to encourage him to pursue spiritual studies, which he eventually did by taking diksha (renunciation) and studying extensive Jain scriptures, ultimately leading his entire family to diksha. This exemplifies profound motherly devotion, similar to that of Hemchandracharya's mother.

The author emphasizes that worldly knowledge, even if extensive, is considered ignorance in the spiritual realm without samyak darshan (right faith) or samkit. Individuals who attain high spiritual realms but lack the destruction of mithyatva (false belief) may fall to lower states. Aryarakshita's mother understood this, hence her disapproval of worldly studies and her guidance towards spiritual learning.

The text then presents several examples of virtuous women from Jain tradition:

Mothers of Tirthankaras and Great Souls: The mothers of Tirthankaras and great Acharyas are lauded for giving birth to these enlightened beings. Rishabhdev's mother, Marudevi, is highlighted for her deep devotion and how she, after initially mourning her son's renunciation, eventually achieved liberation even before him through profound spiritual practice. The lineage of Rishabhdev's descendants, who achieved Kevalgyan (omniscience) through specific circumstances, further underscores the impact of virtuous lineage.
Devotion and Renunciation: The story of Gopichand's mother, whose tears on her son's body led him to renounce worldly life, is presented. Similarly, Shri Devi, the mother of Aimuṭṭa, encouraged her son to embrace monkhood, and through her wisdom, she also achieved Kevalgyan. Krishna's mother, Devaki, expressed a desire to nurture monks like her own children. Gajsukumar's mother's blessings upon his diksha are also mentioned.
Maternal Guidance and Support: The text describes Aranaik’s mother, a Sadhvi, who, upon hearing her son's remorse for straying from the path of righteousness, guides him back, even suggesting anashan (fast unto death) as a last resort for liberation. This showcases a mother's unwavering sense of duty.
Virtuous Wives and Their Actions:
- Madanrekha: She bravely overcomes the grief of widowhood and performs nirvaman (a ritual) to ensure her husband's, Yugbahu's, spiritual welfare, earning renown.
- Surikanta and King Pradeshi: Surikanta, driven by jealousy, poisons Pradeshi. However, Pradeshi, upon hearing the auspicious words, embraces paushadh vrata (a vow) before succumbing, a stark contrast to Surikanta's vengeful actions.
- Chelna and King Shrenik: Chelna, by her steadfastness and spiritual guidance, transforms the wicked King Shrenik into a kshayik samyaki (one with permanently right faith) and demonstrates her devotion by fulfilling her role as a wife through a trial.
- Jyeshta and Chellana's Sister: These two sisters represent different paths of righteousness – one embracing renunciation, the other leading her husband to spiritual realization.
- Rajimati and Neminath: Rajimati, despite her deep attachment to Neminath, renounces worldly life with him and achieves Kevalgyan before him, embodying the ideal of a devoted wife who transcends earthly desires.
Unwavering Faith and Moral Strength:
- Chullani: Brahmatt's mother, driven by materialistic desires, attempts to kill her own son, showcasing a negative example of maternal influence.
- Mayanasundari: Shripal's wife, who, despite being married to someone with leprosy, remains devoted and through her spiritual practices, cures her husband and others. Her unwavering faith in karma is highlighted.
- Sulsa: A devout Jain woman who passes divine tests, demonstrating immense faith and equanimity, even in the face of her sons' deaths. She is destined to become a Tirthankara in a future era.
- Dharani and Chandanbala: Queen Dharani’s sacrifice to protect her daughter Chandanbala’s chastity, and Chandanbala’s subsequent resilience through hardships and eventual spiritual attainment, exemplify strength and virtue.
- Mahana Devi: Magha's wife, who generously donates a substantial amount to beggars, ensuring her husband's fame, and ultimately sacrifices her own life due to lack of resources to give to a supplicant.
- Manorma: Sudarshan Seth’s wife, who, despite being falsely accused, maintains her integrity and unwavering faith in her husband's virtue, demonstrating exceptional resolve.
Spiritual Wisdom and Guidance: Brahmī and Sundari, daughters of Rishabhdev, are credited with guiding Bahubali towards spiritual realization.
Compassion and Non-Violence: Ashoka’s son, Samprati, embraces non-violence to please his mother, showcasing the impact of maternal influence.
Virtuous Women Throughout History: The text lists numerous women like Sulsa, Chandanbala, Mayanasundari, Sita, Damayanti, Anjana, etc., who exemplified virtues like chastity, devotion, and spiritual pursuit, leaving an indelible mark on Jain history.
Role of Women in Supporting Righteousness: The stories of Anupamadevi, the wife of Vastupal and Tejpal, and Pahini, the mother of Hemchandracharya, highlight women's dedication to supporting righteous deeds and the Jain faith, even to the extent of sacrificing their most cherished possessions or loved ones.
The Power of Virtuous Action: Revati, who poisons her husband, is contrasted with another Revati who selflessly offers food to Lord Mahavir, demonstrating how virtuous actions lead to auspicious future destinies, including becoming a Tirthankara.
Inclusivity of Jainism: The text asserts that Jainism transcends caste, gender, and social distinctions, and anyone, including women like Mallinath, Tulsi, and Revati, can achieve liberation and even Tirthankara status through dedicated spiritual practice.
Patience and Inner Strength: Pushpachula, upon learning of her brother's incestuous union, seeks diksha and, through rigorous spiritual practices, attains Kevalgyan. Arnika's son, guided by a guru's prophecy and his own immense determination, achieves Kevalgyan despite facing adversity.
Renunciation from Worldly Attachments: Prabhanjana, a princess, renounces her impending marriage upon hearing a Sadhvi's sermon, achieving Kevalgyan and ending the cycle of rebirth.
The Virtue of Fearlessness: The story of a thief who is granted refuge by an unassuming queen emphasizes the paramount importance of abhaydan (fearlessness).
The Power of Chastity and Faith: Sita's chastity protecting her during an ordeal and Damayanti's unwavering devotion and adherence to the Navkar mantra are highlighted. Subhadra, a Jain woman married to a Buddhist, demonstrates incredible faith and integrity in a dire situation, leading to the opening of city gates and the triumph of Jainism.

In conclusion, "Asare Khalu Sansare" emphasizes that the world, though impermanent, can be imbued with meaning and purpose through the virtuous lives and actions of women. They serve as mothers, wives, and spiritual guides, deeply influencing individuals and society towards righteousness and ultimately, towards the path of liberation. The text underscores that women are integral to the spiritual journey and play a vital role in upholding and propagating the noble principles of Jainism.